A group of Nigerian women stormed the country’s National Assembly premises on Wednesday to demand that lawmakers reconsider a gender bill rejected at plenary on Tuesday.
The male-dominated National Assembly had rejected a constitutional bill seeking to create special seats for women in the federal legislative arm of government.
Titled “Bill For an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly; and for related matters,” the bill had sought to create women only senate and reps slots in various constituencies in the country.
However, it failed after both chambers of the national assembly voted on it on Tuesday.
While the house voted 81-208 to throw the bill out, the senate had a 30-58 vote.
The bill failed to get the lawmakers’ nod despite enjoying the backing of Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, and Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
The First Lady had last week attended plenary alongside Pauline Tallen, minister of women affairs, when the report on the legislation was considered. Dolapo Osinbajo was also present as the senate began voting on constitution amendments on Tuesday.
Irked by the rejection, a group of women on Wednesday protested to the National Assembly to demand that the bill be reconsidered.
The protesters condemned lawmakers for voting against proposed gender bills on Tuesday, saying the action will deny women the opportunity of inclusion and representation in governance.